MAN FOR ALL SEASON: Novak Djokovic lets out a yell after completing a come-from-behind, five-set victory over Roger Federer yesterday in the U.S. Open semifinals, running his 2011 record to 63-2 and keeping him on track for his third Grand Slam win of the year.EPA

(
)

Novak Djokovic had won two Grand Slam titles, nine tournament titles and posted 62 victories this year entering yesterday’s U.S. Open semifinals.

But Djokovic never posted a 2011 victory like this. Never cranked as big a pressure shot as he executed yesterday in the fifth set on double match point against the great Roger Federer.

In an Open semifinal classic sprinkled with deja vu, the world’s No. 1 player rallied from two sets down, fought off the first of two match points in the fifth set with a service-return rocket and stunned Federer to advance to his second straight U.S. Open final.

The final count from the four-hour gem was 6-7 (7), 4-6, 6-3, 6-2, 7-5 as Djokovic got closer to accomplishing the greatest individual tennis year ever. All he needs is one more win in tomorrow’s pushed-back final against defending champ Rafael Nadal, who beat Andy Murray in last night’s other semi, 6-4, 6-3, 3-6, 6-2, in 3 1/2 hours.

“It’s probably, under the circumstances, the greatest victory I had in 2011,” Djokovic said.

Djokovic-Nadal is a rematch of last year’s Open final. But Djokovic has nailed Nadal five straight times in 2011, including in the Wimbledon final.

“This year I not having luck against him,” Nadal said. “I hope New York helps me this time.”

Djokovic haunted Federer in last year’s Open semis, also staving off two match points, both on risky forehand bombs with his eyes closed, he admitted. Yesterday, Djokovic provided the encore. He creamed a return of Federer’s serve on double match point, launching a sharply-angled cross-court missile that smacked the sideline.

“It’s a risk,” Djokovic said. “You’re gambling. It was a very similar situation to last year. I had to take my chances. I was very close to being on my way back home. I read his serve, I was on the ball, I hit it hard. I anticipated well.”

Federer, a five-time Open champion, will finish his first year since 2002 without winning a Slam title, stuck on his record of 16. A dejected Federer was sparing with praise for Djokovic’s go-for-broke return, sounding like the strategy insults Federer’s tennis sensibilities.

“Look, some players grow up and play like that,” Federer said. “I remember losing junior matches being down 5-2 in the third and they all just start slapping shots. I never played that way. But maybe he’s been doing it for 20 years, so for him it was very normal.”

After Djokovic’s winner, he attempted to sway the pro-Federer crowd, wildly gesturing at them for applause and support. The Ashe Stadium crowd responded with roars for Djokovic’s gutsy service return.

“I needed to get some energy from the crowd,” Djokovic said. “I needed to get crowd energy behind my back. It’s normal to expect they’re more on his side because he’s somebody that has won the tournament five years. He’s the greatest player ever. The crowd loves him everywhere.”

Federer looked all his 30 years during a third and fourth-set meltdown. He revived himself in the fifth, notching the break that led to a 5-3, 40-15 lead, but his collapse extended an alarming trend dating to his loss to Juan Martin Del Potro in the 2009 U.S. Open final and continuing with his Wimbledon collapse after being up two sets on Jo-Wilfried Tsonga.

“It’s awkward having to explain this loss because I feel like I should be doing the other press conference,” said Federer, his head down. “Sure, it’s disappointing, but I have only myself to blame. Snaps one shot and the whole thing changes.”

On the second match point, Djokvoic fought off a tough serve into his body and Federer hit a shot off the net cord and out for deuce. Djokvoic broke Federer to get back on serve at 5-4 and it was soon over.

Federer won a 9-7 first-set tiebreak after a set with no service breaks, established dominance in the second set and then saw his energy wane. Djokovic’s strokes became more powerful, his fresher 24-year-old legs at work.

Djokovic last rallied from a two-set hole at 2005 Wimbledon against Guillermo Garcia-Lopez.

“I haven’t won many matches in my life down two sets,” Djokovic said. “Especially against Roger. When he’s up sets, he doesn’t let you win.”

The fans stood and roared as Federer took the court for the fifth. He became revived until Djokovic’s monster return ruined his day.

“I think they were really hoping I was gonna win today,” Federer said. “It gave me a lift and that’s why it’s even more disappointing I couldn’t deliver.”